1st May 2008

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and WellDoc Communications, a technology-based healthcare company focused on improving diabetes management, are sponsoring a 12-month randomized clinical trial with 260 patients with Type 2 diabetes. The trial, which uses WellDoc's web- and cell phone-based diabetes management platform, focuses on helping CareFirst members manage the full spectrum of their disease, including blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, lifestyle, self-management and other critical components required to optimize their diabetes management.

The primary goal of the trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of the WellDoc system in reducing patients' hemoglobin A1c - or HbA1c, a measure of blood sugar control. By targeting reduced HbA1c, WellDoc's system improves patient outcomes, including reducing a patient's risks for a heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and other conditions often associated with diabetes patients and increased HbA1c levels. These improved patient outcomes may significantly reduce the cost of patient care.

WellDoc's cell phone-based diabetes management software allows patients to securely provide data and receive real-time feedback on how to manage their condition. In addition, providers receive analyzed patient data with suggested action plans to improve patient outcomes.

“We are excited to provide our members with the ability to better manage their diabetes by utilizing a device they use everyday - their cell phone,” said Jon Shematek, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer of CareFirst. “Our focus is two-fold. First, it is to help patients and providers optimize diabetes management; and second, it's to reduce the costs associated with diabetes care.”

The study is being conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine under the direction of Charlene Quinn, Ph.D., R.N. Dr. Quinn, the principal investigator and an assistant professor of epidemiology and preventive medicine, said: “It's great to see WellDoc's technology expand beyond pilot testing to larger scale applications. The company's initial solution has shown tremendous promise.”

In its initial pilot study, patients who used the WellDoc system experienced a two-point HbA1c drop on average, within 90 days.

“Immediate feedback for patients with diabetes can dramatically impact how they manage their disease,” said Suzanne Clough, M.D., chief medical officer of WellDoc Communications. “Our system captures the teachable moment by providing patients with the information they need to better manage their health. It's not just for patients; we also support healthcare providers by presenting them with analyzed patient data and the latest evidence-based guidelines with recommendations for optimal patient management.”

The study is open to doctors and patients outside of CareFirst's network and membership.

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